I hadn't thought to call them privateers, but it's an excellent comparison. You've hit the nail on the head. The next wars will be waged by private contractors

I hadn't thought to call them privateers, but it's an excellent comparison. You've hit the nail on the head. The next wars will be waged by private contractors and privateers, hovered over by swarms of drones. Replace "will" with "is" whenever you feel like it.